Perhaps you have a little folding Christmas money courtesy of Gran, Aunt Maude and a couple of other relatives. Or possibly a gift card or three. Giving a thoughtful gift is nice, but straight cash or cards are good options when “Heck if I know!” is the answer to what someone wants.
We’re blessed to have two running-centric stores, four bike shops and a swim-tri-run store in the area. Supporting the local folks is a good thing. If you can’t find something at one of seven shops, well, I guess search online. All of these shops have great products and if they don’t have it, they probably can order it.
I won’t be recommending shoes. You have your favorites and know what you like or need for the trail or road. We have 40’leventeen brands of shoes to choose for running, biking and recovery. Yes, even the latter category is now becoming saturated with more products. Instead of just sandals or slides with the cushy-comfy recovery foam, we now have shoes, slip-ons, fancy shoes, dog-ass ugly shoes, multiple designs, everyday shoes … egads.
Here are a few goodies to consider spending your Christmas money on this year:
Sock It To Them!
Everyone has preferences for clothing, from shorts and tops to shoes and socks. My wife likes the cushy Balega socks. I know a few runners who wear white ankle-high cotton socks. My preferences are Swiftwick and Injinji, depending on what’s going on.
For trail running or really sweaty conditions, I’ll usually have on the merino Swiftwick Flite XT. They have a little grippy area on the heel and forefoot that prevent slipping. I’ve never had an issue with them even in the swampiest summer outings. Otherwise, I like the Injinji toe socks. They feel great and help prevent blisters (along with ample use of Salty Britches) on long outings. You can find these brands, along with others, at our local running stores.
Camelbak Arete Sling
This great little pack has a couple of zippered pockets that can securely hold snacks, a phone, water bottle or other items. The padded, adjustable strap is comfortable and easy to adjust. It has a breathable, air mesh back panel that dries quickly if you’re sweaty. The 1.5L reservoir can be removed. It’s a great little bag for hikes, walks, outings with kiddos, perhaps even a trail run or biking trip. Get it online here from Camelbak.
Noxgear Tracer 2 Vest
A few weeks ago at the Huntsville Pub Run (where we had Fireball!), the first group of 5-milers took off before the 3-mile crew. It was about 5:30, darkish already away from the neon glow of Green Bus Brewing. As we passed the church to toodle through Old Huntsville and south Five Points, the green-pink-blue-orange glow of runners in Noxgear Tracer vests danced on the sidewalks. I saw others along the route, easily visible on the streets.
You can see these lighted vests on the streets or sidewalks. You can see them on greenways. That’s the point. Visibility! It grinds my gears when I see bikers or runners with no lights, bright clothing or anything to help give them away. Sometimes they’ll be in all black clothing or some other muted shades, in the road, and then get bent out of shape when drivers don’t see them. C’mon … it’s easy to at least get a headlamp if not two lights for the front and back of a bike.
Noxgear lighted vests easily provide illumination without being blinding. Drivers can see you. These are a great investment for your safety. You can see these vests here, and also get them in our local running stores.
Oofos Sandals
Recovery from a tough run is a cinch with Oofos sandals or slides, which I’ve worn for about three years. I got some for my wife, son, daughter-in-law and brother, too. Players on my brother’s basketball team have worn them. They’re what I call a Goldilocks product: they’re just right. The cushioning isn’t too hard or too soft. I can tell immediately after putting them on that my feet and legs feel better. I prefer the original sandals, but shoppers today have a wide range of choices.
Roll Recovery R1, R8 Plus
Two of my favorite recovery tools are from Roll Recovery, the R8 Plus and R1 Percussion, both designed to help with sore, overworked muscles or to get things going before a workout. The R1 Percussion is fantastic for travel thanks to its size. Pack it in a bag or luggage, stick it in your vehicle go-kit, and it’s there when you need it. The R8 Plus is bigger and not as easy for travel (but can be packed!), and really really really gets into your muscles. Calves, shins, thighs, arms … the R8 Plus definitely is a winner. Roll Recovery’s SuperPlush shoes also are worth a look if you want a casual slip-on. They’re comfortable, breathe well and definitely feel good.
CEP Compression Socks
Like almost anything these days, you’ll have some folks who swear by compression socks and others who think they’re unnecessary. I’m going to go with the medical experts who are more experienced than Jed and Marleen about things like bariatric treatments.
Compression socks use graduated compression to assist with blood flow and help reduce swelling. I’ve used CEP’s compression socks for several years, along with those by GoSleeves and the new ones from Injinji. When used properly, they definitely can help with post-activity recovery. They work with long flights and travel, too. I’ve worn them after overseas trips and long flights to California or the west coast.
Swift Recovery + R2S
Speaking of recovery, it’s tough to overlook the opportunities at Swift Recovery in Jones Valley. I’ve tried several options there and felt better after each session. My faves are the contrast therapy (sauna + cold plunge), compression, cryotherapy, power plate and Tecar. Compression therapy with the Therabody unit in a recliner? Just give me a co’beer or big margarita and I’d be solid. Love the sauna and cold plunge. Check out the options and consider it an investment in your overall wellness, because that’s what it is.
While you’re there, also check out the Return2Sport PT & Therapy options for PT. You don’t have to be injured to get some benefit from a few PT sessions. They can help with recommendations on stretching, specific exercises and more to help get you feeling better. And if you have some nagging injury, they can assist with recommendations, treatment such as Tecar or dry needling, and more.
As with any kind of recovery situation, your No. 1 priority is to listen to your body and know what it needs. Active recovery, such as a mild ride, walk or swim? Yep. Zero activity and total rest? Of course. More sleep? Get it. More days of compression or PT or something else? Sure. Serious time away from whatever you were doing? Perhaps. Your mind and body should be your guide.
SPIbelt
Want a lightweight belt to carry just a few items or your phone? Check out the SPIbelt, because that’s exactly what it is. This lightweight belt has a small, expandable pouch with a zipper. It can carry your phone, or some gels, or a credit card and ID, or cash, or actually all of those. The little pouch expands just enough to take the necessities. It’s super if maybe you’re doing a long ride or run and want to stop at a store for a bev and snack. Dries quickly, too.
The Dual Pocket Pro and Tandem models have two pockets for even more goodies. SPIbelt also has other products, including a durable drop bag if you’re stashing goodies on a long event.
Shokz OpenDots One
For several years I was an anti-music, anti-phone runner. Even on long outings, no phone was wonderful because I enjoyed just being there. And then one day I tossed on my Shokz and some music. Bingo. Very nice for a long ride or run. The new Shokz OpenDots One are lightweight, comfortable, water-shock-gooberproof, and provide solid tunes or podcasts. Because of the open ear design, you also can hear dogs barking or a car coming, too. That’s a plus. You get up to 10 hours on one charge along with other features. A solid investment, IMO.
Dometic, Igloo Ice Chests
Bikers, swimmers, runners, triathletes, weekend warriors … everyone does something on the road, at the beach, in the woods, at a park, at big or small events, and often that means food, snacks, treats, bevs or other items.
When I hit the road I’ll typically have a half-gallon or gallon jug of ice, food, recovery stuff, fruit and other things. I might toss in a bag of ice in summer. When I’m done, the jug can be re-frozen. The empty cooler can hold favorite brews I can’t get at home. And if I need to ice my swollen or hurt feet and ankles, a big ice chest definitely works like a champ.
Two great models I recommend: the Dometic Hardside Recon, available in three sizes, and the Igloo Trailmate.
The Hardside Recon comes in three sizes loaded with cool features. They have a modular design, so you can stack or load them in the back of a truck, SUV or vehicle. The rubber top and slight lip prevents sliding. Handles are flush. The locking drain plug is ample, so it gushes out quickly, and a magnet secures the plug on the side.
Dual locks on the lid mean it can be opened from either side or removed. Removed? You can remove the lid? Yes, so if you need everyone to be able to dive into the ice for a brew, or you want to soak your ankles and feet, or need to clean it … the lid can be removed. Internally, it has removable dividers and a tray to keep items separated.
I’ve used ice chests for more than 50 years and this is, by far, the most well-designed and best one I’ve ever seen. Consider it an investment for your upcoming years of fun outdoors activities.
If you need or want something more affordable and lighter, the Igloo Trailmate Hardside might fit the bill. It has comfortable, large handles that are easy to grip and carry. Lid locks are oversized so you don’t break a nail or smash a finger trying to open or close. Internal slots allow for removable dividers, and the drain design means no little puddle is left behind. A built-in bottle opener in the lid means no more scrounging around for one, either. It’s available in 50- and 25-quart sizes.
Also, the Trailmate Journey is designed with a handle, wheels and rails to sit upright but be easy to move. For something smaller, the various cooler bags and backpack should have a Goldilocks label: they’re just right. Ice, a few bevs, snacks and you’re good to go. Any of these from Dometic or Igloo would be great additions to your travel lineup.
